Skye's Training Approach

Skye believes that dog training should be humane, effective and easy for everyone! Positive training techniques are easy and effective, so why not learn the latest scientific methods to get the results you want!

Skye uses positive reinforcement training which uses science-based methodology to reward behaviors we want with things dogs want (and things we give to them anyway!) like food, toys, attention and praise. Using the techniques of operant conditioning, when a dog is rewarded for good behavior, the desirable behavior happens more and more often. The most successful modern training theories suggest that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train any animal (which is why the Navy even uses it to teach wild dolphins! Check out the Navy Marine Mammal Program).

Skye will teach you how to get desirable behaviors to happen so you can get the results you want. In addition to rewards, dogs need consistent rules and boundaries, so you will also learn the most effective ways of providing humane, constructive discipline so any "bad" behavior can turn into "good" behavior!

Skye uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to address minor to serious behavioral issues such as destructive behavior, aggression and much more. ABA is defined as the science in which the principles of analysis of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior, and in which experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for change in behavior. Yikes, that is a complicated definition! Basically, ABA is a psychological approach that uses the theory of behaviorism to modify behaviors as part of a learning or treatment process. Many psychologists use ABA to help their human clients, and ABA-based procedures have been implemented across a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, homes, and more with great success. For more information on ABA with animals, a great resource is Utah State Psychology Professor Dr. Susan Friedman, whose Living and Learning with Animals courses emphasize fundamentals of applied behavior analysis (http://www.behaviorworks.org/).

Skye became a trainer with the hopes of helping others to have the same deeply bonded relationship that she has with her dogs, thereby keeping dogs from shifting to multiple homes or ending up in the shelter. Her personal goal in training is to create a lifetime relationship between owner and dog based on respect and understanding.

Skye is a CBCC (Certified Behavior Consulant - Canine) and a CPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer):

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers serves to establish and maintain a recognized level of competence in dog training by certifying professional trainers through criteria based on continuing education, experience, and standardized testing.

Why Choose a CPDT? (from the CPDT website):

You care about your dog. You want a positive experience for both you and your four-footed friend. Whether you are looking for a training class or private training, you are looking for a high-quality, safe, and effective training experience.

When you choose a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, you can be confident that you are working with a professional who has the knowledge and expertise to make your investment in dog training safe, effective, and even fun! Certified Professional Dog Trainers have dog training skills as well as instructor skills to enhance the experience and success for you and your pet dog.

Certified Professional Dog Trainers have earned this credential by demonstrating their knowledge and experience in dog training. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer stays informed of current knowledge in the field and is familiar with the latest, most effective training techniques and equipment. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer adheres to a strict Code of Ethics.

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is committed to maintaining rigorous testing and recertification systems to provide dog owners with information to help them make an informed choice when selecting a dog trainer.

So the next time you need a dog trainer, look for a professional with the Certified Professional Dog Trainer credential. Your dog will thank you!